Cassiltoun-December18.qxp_Layout 1 30/11/2018 16:08 Page 2 news

Newsletter • Winter 2018 Merry Christmas

...anda Happy New Year from everyone at Cassiltoun

NEW – extended office opening hours. See page 11 for full details.

Castlemilk Stables • 59 Machrie Road • G45 0AZ • telephone 0141 634 2673 fax 0141 634 9987 • email [email protected] • www.cassiltoun.org.uk Registered Scottish Charity No SC 035544 Cassiltoun-December18.qxp_Layout 1 30/11/2018 16:09 Page 3

Cassiltoun Housing Association • Newsletter • Winter 2018 Chief Executive’s Welcome Welcome… Housing Association’s rents compare well. Our rents also compare well …to our winter edition of the with the other local Housing newsletter. Associations and the Scottish average. On a personal note and sadly for me, Secondly, we are now entering the this will be my last report as Chief period of the year when we consult Executive. In September I advised the Board that I intended to retire in tenants over the annual rent increase. March 2019. My retirement ends 39 Unfortunately our costs do not years’ service working in housing and remain static and inflation is currently community regeneration in Glasgow, increasing. This puts pressure on us the last 15 years here in Castlemilk to maintain services and to deliver with Cassiltoun Housing Association. future home improvements programmes such as new kitchens, response when they are seeking I am proud of the many service bathrooms and central heating. So improvements and various assurance about our financial plans please take the time to let us know achievements that Cassiltoun has when building new houses. your views. We are planning events gained, such as a vastly improved Many of you will have noticed that and increasing our office opening repairs service, improved common construction work has started on our hours during January and February areas, welfare rights and money 3 sites known as “Barlia 3”. Please 2019 to gather views and discuss advice service, quality of customer visit our website for further updates. rents. care and the services and activities 42 new houses should be complete organised from the Stables building. From 17th December until 21st and ready for the first tenants by I take away great memories of my December we are running a FREE December 2019. Christmas Café in the Stables time here at Cassiltoun and have I wish all our tenants and customers a reception area, so please pop in for enjoyed my relationship with many very merry Christmas and a happy tenants whom I have met over the some Christmas cheer. New Year. years, even when I was being We will also be delivering 20 reminded of those times when we get Christmas food hampers to lucky I would also like to acknowledge the things wrong. Hopefully I learned tenants drawn randomly on 20th Board members, staff team and from those occasions. December. fantastic volunteers, for all their efforts making Cassiltoun Housing In this edition, I would like to highlight I am pleased to report that the Association and our two subsidiary the following – “How does my rent Scottish Housing Regulator (SHR) has companies such a success. I have compare?” confirmed that they received greatly appreciated all the support We have illustrated rent comparisons substantial assurance from Cassiltoun given to me and I wish everyone at with a range of other Scottish Housing Association during a period Housing Associations. The reason for of medium engagement. The Cassiltoun all the best in the future. this is to highlight that Cassiltoun engagement is part of the SHR’s Charlie Millar • Chief Executive

Universal Credit Update ...... 16 In this newsletter… Cash for Kids ...... 17 Digital Access ...... 17 ...... Development Update 3 Rent Consultation 8 Advice Team Statistics ...... 17 Chair signs new build contract for James Dornan MSP launches 2018 Home Contents Insurance ...... 17 Barlia 3 Development ...... 4 Christmas toy appeal ...... 9 Do you need a Bank Account? ...... 18 SHR National Panel of Tenants and Consultation Event Prize Winners ...... 9 Dealing with condensation ...... 19 Service Users ...... 4 Nursery Update ...... 10 Christmas Rent Payment ...... 19 Cassiltoun welcomes 2 co-opted Spooky goings-on! ...... 10 Christmas & New Year Skip Service . . 19 Board Members ...... 4 Stables Studio Update ...... 11 CEO announces his retirement ...... 5 Christmas Hamper Raffle ...... 11 Estate Environmental Services ...... 20 A big “Thank you” to City Building . . . . . 5 Extended Office Opening Hours ...... 11 Five ways to stay healthy Staff & Board visit Cruden ...... 5 SAMH – Let’s TALK Project ...... 12 this Winter ...... 20 Cassiltoun and Ardenglen welcome Staff Update ...... 12 Community Development Update . . . . . 21 Stirling University students ...... 6 Christmas Snowflake Biscuits ...... 12 Castlemilk Park Christmas Café ...... 7 Value for money ...... 13 Community Woodland Update ...... 24 Glasgow Winter Night Shelter Stay safe from Burglars ...... 13 Kids Corner ...... 27 Donation ...... 7 Scottish Housing Charter – Office Holiday Closure Information . . . 28 Congratulations Cathy! ...... 7 how we are doing ...... 14 and 15 Getting in touch… ...... 28

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Cassiltoun Housing Association • Newsletter • Winter 2018 DevelopmentUpdate Barlia 3 Everyone living in the local community will no doubt have seen a flurry of activity at our three new build sites at Barlia Terrace and Barlia Street. Our Contractors, Crudens, are well underway with the groundworks, while the work to build the foundations for our 42 units will be underway very soon. The Site Manager, Neil Smith, is a friendly face who has introduced himself to many local people including surrounding businesses. Crudens have registered the scheme for the ‘Considerate Constructors Scheme’. This means they abide by a Code of Practice which commits the team to care about the appearance of the site, respect the community, protect the environment, secure everyone’s safety and value their workforce. The contractor has also committed to a programme of Community benefits- including jobs and training and financial support for community activities. The project is still on programme to complete before Christmas 2019. It will be with us before you know it! Nursery Site We were grateful to all the local people who contributed comments and suggestions for the development of the nursery site when we undertook our Feasibility Study during 2018. The finalised Study has been submitted to for consideration. We are hopeful that early in 2019 the Council will be able to respond to the submission and give us the go ahead to formally start developing detailed designs for this exciting site. The current plan is a mix of 147 houses and flats – both for rental and for sale. Watch this space for future updates. 57-85 Castlemilk Drive Our proposed development at the vacant land on Castlemilk Drive was submitted to the Council for Planning Permission over the summer. If approved, we will be moving ahead with 60 new flats – mainly a mix of 1 and 2 bedrooms, including some particularly identified for older people or people with mobility issues. All going to plan we will commence building on this site in November 2019 – which will coincide with the Barlia 3 project coming to completion.

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Cassiltoun Housing Association • Newsletter • Winter 2018 Chair signs new build National Panel contract for Barlia 3 of Tenants and Development A significant milestone was achieved in October when our Service Users Chairperson, Anna Stuart MBE signed the new build contract The Scottish Housing Regulator established with Cruden Building and Renewals Ltd. This completed the the Panel in 2013 to engage effectively and procurement and value for money exercise in appointing a directly with tenants and other service contractor to carry out the new build housing development, users. The Panel helps them hear about which took several months to complete. views, experiences and service priorities. Topics covered by the Panel so far include: Anna Stuart MBE • rent affordability signs the building contract • service quality with Gordon Lee, • value for money Partnering and Procurement • performance reporting Director with • experiences of using homelessness Cruden Building services and Renewal • antisocial behaviour • tenant safety The panel currently has around 415 members. It has a broad membership, and almost three- quarters of Panel members are not members of Registered Tenant Organisations. The Scottish Housing Regulator is keen to recruit new members to this panel. If this is something that interests you, more information on the panel and how to join can be found on the Scottish Housing Regulator’s website: [email protected] Cassiltoun Housing Association’s Board of Management welcomed two new co-opted board members Richard Sullivan and Kim McKee joined the Board of Management as co-opted board members at their meeting on 28th November 2018. Richard has 25 years’ experience in the third sector and 17 years’ professional experience in the public and private sectors. Kim has ten years experience in researching and teaching housing across four different academic institutions (Glasgow, Open University, St Andrews and Stirling). She is Richard Sullivan Kim McKee currently a Senior Lecturer at the University of Stirling, teaching the Postgraduate Diploma/MSc in Housing Studies, which is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Housing. Both applicants offer additional skills and experience that will clearly enhance our Board of Management. By appointing co-optees, we will enhance our Board of Management’s skills as recommended by Glasgow and West of Forum and Scottish Housing Regulator.

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Cassiltoun Housing Association • Newsletter • Winter 2018 Chief Executive, Charlie Millar, announces his retirement Charlie Millar, Chief Executive of the Cassiltoun Group, plans to retire in March 2019. A big Anna Stuart MBE, Chair of Cassiltoun Housing Association commented “The Board and I will be very sad to Thank see Charlie leave us. He has been an outstanding leader, who has helped to you create one of Scotland’s most diverse Housing Associations whilst making a huge impact on the social and economic regeneration in Castlemilk. to City We give Charlie our best wishes for a well-deserved early retirement.” Charlie said “I have been truly lucky to work in the housing sector in Glasgow over the past 39 years. The changes to how we deliver Building housing services in the city have been transformational and the The Association would like community based Housing Association movement deserves great to thank City Building for credit for their vision and tenacity.” their very generous “I have been privileged to work with tenants from different donation of Selection communities delivering improvements over many years. I owe a debt Boxes to be enjoyed on our of gratitude to the many fantastic colleagues and Board members I have worked with who have helped and supported me during my annual panto trip on career. I will be sad to leave but I am now looking forward to a more Sunday 16th December relaxed future travelling with my wife Margaret.” 2018. Board and staff inspect Cruden’s new build quality In October the Chief Executive, Charlie Millar and Chairperson, Anna Stuart MBE led a Board/staff visit to a Cruden new build site in Pollock. The purpose of the visit was to check the quality of workmanship and quality of things such as the kitchens and bathrooms. Anna commented “It’s absolutely vital when we are selecting products for new homes that we have some level of assurance about the quality of product. This visit was worthwhile because it gave us the opportunity to see first-hand the quality of workmanship and product of a Cruden home”.

Charlie added, “We were not disappointed by Board and staff our visit, the quality of Cruden’s new build was on site in Pollock to a very high standard. We are looking forward to achieving a similar high standard at our 3 sites due for completion in December 2019.”

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Cassiltoun Housing Association • Newsletter • Winter 2018 Cassiltoun and Ardenglen play host to University of Stirling Students Students from the University of Stirling visited Castlemilk to see first-hand the vital work being done by community-based Housing Associations. The students from the University’s Social Policy and Housing course visited Cassiltoun and Ardenglen on their study visit. It provided a valuable insight into the day-to-day running and workings of busy housing providers with a particular emphasis on their regeneration work. At Cassiltoun, they were briefed by Chief Executive, Charlie Millar and Regeneration Manager, Clair Malpas on its work. This included an overview of the wide range of community regeneration activities delivered by the Cassiltoun Group including health, education, The students were also treated to a musical ‘All That Glitters’ social engagement and employment programmes. performance by – the initiative’s creative writing and song group. Charlie and Clair also focused on Cassiltoun’s business diversity through its social enterprise Much of the regeneration work undertaken by programme and the impressive five-year Ardenglen is carried out by the hugely-admired development plans including building 42 flats and Community Committee made up of volunteers who houses costing just over £5 million by December arrange social events for the benefit of the local 2019. community. One highlight was a tour of Castlemilk Stables – Audrey Simpson, Ardenglen’s Chief Executive, said: owned by Cassiltoun’s subsidiary Cassiltoun Trust. In “It is essential that the housing professionals of the 2017 the Stables celebrated its 10th anniversary and future see first-hand how Housing Associations was undoubtedly a landmark regeneration triumph by deliver their services on the ground. This study visit the Housing Association and which has won a string allowed two Housing Associations to demonstrate the of awards. deep-rooted achievements not just in building homes Another highlight for the group was meeting Anna but delivering change that improves people’s lives in Stuart MBE, a founder of Cassiltoun Housing the true spirit of the Housing Association movement.” Association, who was described by the participants The study visit was led by Dr Kim McKee, Senior as ‘inspirational’. Lecturer in Housing Studies at the University. Kim Charlie Millar, Chief Executive of Cassiltoun, said: said: “We would like to say thank you to Ardenglen “We were delighted to host the visit from the and Cassiltoun Housing Associations for welcoming University of Stirling. This has been a good our first year Housing Studies students on their recent opportunity for the Housing Studies students to see site visit. first-hand our social and economic regeneration and “The students have been learning about the range of learn what is a priority for Castlemilk.” services social landlords provide beyond their At Ardenglen, students met Staff and Board traditional housing management role. The visit members and were given an insight into its provided them with key insights into the ethos regeneration successes. underpinning the community-controlled Housing They were told of Ardenglen’s community initiative Association movement and the sheer range of known as The Only Way is Up. It offers a range of free community development and regeneration activities activities from gardening to cookery, IT help, get- many social landlords are now engaged in. together groups for men and women, first aid “It was a very positive learning experience for them sessions and even a sewing group – all aimed at and they valued being given the opportunity to meet building people’s confidence and giving them new local people who used and help support the services skills. provided.” page 6 Cassiltoun-December18.qxp_Layout 1 30/11/2018 16:11 Page 8

Cassiltoun Housing Association • Newsletter • Winter 2018 Glasgow Winter Night Shelter 2018-19 Financial Support Cassiltoun Housing Association has donated Cassiltoun £1000 towards Glasgow City Mission’s Christmas Café Winter Night Shelter. From Monday 17th December to “597 vulnerable people were lunchtime on Friday 21st December the able to find safe refuge at the Association will provide a Christmas Glasgow Winter Night Café with: Sheltered on 3,839 occasions • Tea, Coffee & Hot Chocolate last year. These figures remains shockingly high, I’m sure you will • Cold Drinks agree. Too many people are still forced to sleep rough on our • Sweet Treats city streets.” said Grant Campbell, Chief Executive of City • Festive Music Mission. The café is free to all and will be located Grant added “with your continued support, we can continue to at the reception area of our office in the provide a safe, warm place for vulnerable people to sleep, plus Stables. You can also pick up a free get the necessary help to break the cycle of homelessness.” raffle ticket to win one of our Christmas Anna Stuart MBE, Chair of Cassiltoun Housing Association said hampers. “The Board of Cassiltoun HA are really pleased to contribute to The draw will take place on 20th this worthy cause and essential service in Glasgow. December. We will also be asking for your views on our rents, existing I wish homelessness was over but its not and until it is we will services and new services we can offer. assist and support other organisations to help alleviate it”. So please come along for some festive If you would like to contribute to the night shelter the cheer, meet the staff and if you have Association will accept payments and pass them on to the City any general tenancy questions or Mission. Just ask at reception. problems we will be happy to help. Congratulations Cathy!

Cathy Malone, Domestic Assistant The Association’s long serving member of staff turned 65 in September 2018. The staff team presented Cathy with gifts and a birthday cake to mark her special day.

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Cassiltoun Housing Association • Newsletter • Winter 2018 Rent Consultation: “We need your opinion…” The Association’s ongoing business plan over the next 30 years provides assurance about the viability of Cassiltoun Housing Association. Our ability to invest in tenants homes, deliver our repairs service, environmental services including close cleaning and grass cutting is all paid from tenants rents.

In addition, Cassiltoun Housing Association offers a wide range of services such as our Welfare Rights/Money Advice Service and activity events throughout the year for all age groups. We also provide job opportunities, housing and well- being health services. Benchmarking – Average Weekly The Association’s rents compare well Rent Levels 2017/18 with local Housing Associations and Housing Association 2 Apt 3 Apt 4 Apt 5 Apt the benchmarking table illustrates that our rents also compare well with Cassiltoun HA £68.84 £71.49 £81.44 £93.38 a variety of Scottish Housing Angus HA £71.48 £81.84 £91.87 £100.81 Associations. When considering a Argyll Community HA £73.69 £77.75 £86.04 £93.87 rent increase, we value your views about what you expect for the rent Castle Rock Endinvar HA £78.79 £89.33 £100.29 £107.51 you pay. HA £76.43 £77.11 £90.48 £98.93

This year we will run a Christmas Dunedin Canmore HA £85.78 £94.10 £103.99 £110.18 (Edinburgh) Café from 17th – 21st December between 10am – 3.45pm. Please visit Park HA £62.83 £64.96 £78.79 £89.38 for a tea/coffee and a chat about Ferguslie Park HA £71.91 £79.80 £86.14 £96.91 what your rent covers and what you Glasgow HA £73.40 £79.19 £92.71 £101.72 want from your rent. HA £66.04 £76.10 £85.26 £101.10 We will highlight issues such as: HA £79.45 £84.70 £97.99 £116.07 • Our operating costs and how we HA £72.21 £75.14 £81.73 £93.44 control them New HA £69.10 £79.06 £90.14 £102.61 • How we try and achieve value for North Glasgow HA £74.63 £80.96 £91.08 £100.65 money HA £64.28 £78.92 £87.25 £110.92 • Improving services Queens Cross HA £75.03 £78.62 £87.22 £99.10 • Investment plans – new kitchens & £56.56 £79.68 £90.02 £114.01 and bathrooms, central heating HA and windows HA £63.22 £71.16 £81.16 £101.83 • Inflation pressures Southside HA £79.97 £89.64 £97.82 £103.16 • New build housing Thenue HA £74.79 £81.15 £92.87 £98.47 • You said we done (service Wishaw & District HA £66.67 £74.04 £81.46 £85.99 improvements led by tenants) Red = Higher than Cassiltoun Other rent consultation events will be Green = Lower than Cassiltoun arranged as we gather your views. 20 Housing Associations operating in various locations in I hope you can make it along to the Scotland. Demonstrates Cassiltoun Housing Association's rents Christmas Café for some festive compare favourably. Cassiltoun Housing Association's rents cheer. benchmark well against local Housing Associations operating in Castlemilk and with the Scottish average. Charlie Millar Source: Scottish Housing Regulator 2017/18 Landlord Report Chief Executive Officer

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Cassiltoun Housing Association • Newsletter • Winter 2018 James Dornan MSP Launches 2018 Christmas Toy Appeal

James Dornan MSP has launched his annual Christmas toy appeal. Each year the local MSP has asked FRIDAY 14TH constituents, businesses and community organisations DECEMBER to donate toys for local families. Cassiltoun Housing 10AM-12 PM Association donates to this worthy cause.

Consultation Event Prize Winners Mrs Agnes Little, from Machrie Road said “I really enjoyed attending the consultation meeting because I like to know what’s going on in my area. Winning the prize draw for attending is a complete bonus”. Mrs Little has lived in Machrie since 1969 and said “I would not live anywhere else, I have great neighbours, a wonderful house with a fantastic view of Glasgow plus Cassiltoun Housing are great, they always help me when I ask them”. Charlie Millar, CEO said “What a pleasure it was to meet Mrs Little and I enjoyed the unexpected tour of her house and hearing about her 50 years living in Castlemilk. I was really impressed by her attitude and how much she cared about her local area, a timely reminder to me about what is important to people”. Mrs Rose Harbison from Castlemilk Drive has been a Castlemilk tenant for 48 years Charlie Millar with Mrs Little who is also still really interested in what is going on in her community. Mrs Harbison said “I attended the consultation event to find out what plans are being considered for new houses and where the houses will be. I need a ground floor flat therefore it was great to hear that the Association is planning to build accessible ground floor flats for people who need this type of accommodation”. Charlie Millar, CEO, who presented a gift voucher said “Again, what a pleasure to meet and talk with one of Castlemilk’s longest tenants. The message was loud and clear – build houses that people need, particularly as their circumstances change”. Charlie Millar with Mrs Harbison

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Cassiltoun Housing Association • Newsletter • Winter 2018 Nursery Update The children at the Stables are forging ahead with their outdoor learning. Our children in ante and preschool are accessing the woodlands 4 days per week. Their learning, self-risk assessment and relationships with their peers has increased greatly over their time outdoors. We are now working toward measurable outcomes for the children and assessing the differences between indoor and outdoor learning. We have been looking after our environment, litter picking around the local area and in the woodlands too. Due to the nursery expanding, we currently have some spaces. We offer full time, part time and some term time spaces. Open for 7.30am – 6pm.

Spooky, strange happenings in the neighbourhood! If you were out in the area of Crescent at Halloween you would have encountered some spooky goings on in 2 Croftfoot Crescent as the residents of this close take Halloween very seriously by decorating the entire close from floor to ceiling with scary items to give trick or treat visitors to the close a spooky experience. Over the past 20 years the residents have added to the collection of decorations and this year they excelled themselves…

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Cassiltoun Housing Association • Newsletter • Winter 2018 Stables Studio Members of Stables Studio art class have been working away on lots of creative projects including crocheting toys for grandchildren, making jewellery from sea glass and painting large scale canvases! The group are delighted to recently receive funding for their project idea ‘Stables Studio Sees Scotland’ for a series of trips to inspire their Extended creativity. A big thank you to South Glasgow Health and Social Care Partnership for the funding! Office They are looking forward to taking part in Castlemilk’s Christmas event on Friday 7th Hours December 3-5pm at the Castlemilk Community For the convenience of our Centre where they will have lots of festive arts and tenants and owners, in crafts for sale. They also have items for sale in our addition to our normal office reception area. hours, we will be open: Stables Studio is a sociable art class for over 50s Thursday 17th January 2019 living in the G45 area - join us to try painting, 6pm – 8pm drawing, crafts or just stop in for a cuppa and a chat! Drop in any Monday, Tuesday or Thursday Saturday 19th January 2019 10am-4pm, Castlemilk Stables, 59 Machrie Road, 10am – 2pm G45 0AZ or call Claire on 07947 397932 with any Thursday 24th January 2019 questions. 6pm – 8pm Well done to Gary, a Stables Studio participant, on his achievements at the Stirling Special Olympics Saturday 26th January 2019 40th Anniversary! ▼ 10am – 2pm

Thursday 31st January 2019 6pm – 8pm

Saturday 2nd February 2019 10am – 2pm

Thursday 7th February 2019 6pm – 8pm

Saturday 9th February 2019 10am – 2pm Free Christmas Hamper Raffle The Senior Management Team, the Association’s Social fund and the Association’s contractors and consultants MCN (Scotland) Ltd, Atkinson Partnership Ltd, CMS Window Systems, MAST Architects, Collective Architecture, City Technical Services, Edwards MacDowall Consulting Engineers, G3 Consultancy, SDM and Caledonian Maintenance have all donated Christmas Hampers to be raffled to the Association’s tenants. The raffle is free to enter and tenants will be given a ticket at reception when they are in the office. Raffle tickets will be given out from Monday 10th December to Wednesday 19th December 2018. In addition to this, there will be a free raffle for children under 10 to participate in. If your child is in the office with you, please ensure they get their raffle ticket. Their hamper will contain Edwards child friendly items with a Christmas theme. McDowall The draw will take place on Thursday 20th Consulting Engineers December and all winners will be notified.

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Cassiltoun Housing Association • Newsletter • Winter 2018

Operating in Glasgow and , SAMH’s Let’s TALK Project is looking to tackle stigma and discrimination against people experiencing poor mental health and help signpost people to local support services. Do you, or someone you know, want to find out more to maintain their mental wellbeing? Are you someone who could volunteer and would like to help create safe spaces for people to have positive conversations around mental health and support people in finding other aids to recovery? Are you a charity or an organisation that can provide advice and support around issues such as health and wellbeing, equal opportunities, employment, learning, finances? We’d love to hear from you. For more information on the SAMH Let’s TALK project please contact Emma Straughan, Let’s TALK Project Facilitator on the contact details below. Email: [email protected] • Mobile: 07595 244 761 SAMH is the Scottish association for Mental Health. Scottish Charity Number: SC008897 Staff Update Christmas Hello to… Snowflake Biscuits Method 1. Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6 and line a baking sheet with baking parchment. Put the butter in a bowl and beat it with electric beaters until soft and creamy. Beat in the sugar, then the egg and vanilla, and finally the flour to make a dough. If the dough feels sticky, add a little flour and knead it in. Chill for 20 mins Ingredients in the fridge. • 200g unsalted 2. Roll the dough to about the thickness of a butter £1 coin on a lightly floured surface. Cut New baby , baby • 200g golden John Williams out snowflake shapes using a biscuit Dad, caster sugar Henry Arthur Williams cutter, then re-roll the off-cuts and repeat. boy, • 1 large egg born 28th August 2018. 3. Bake for 8-10 mins or until the edges are just beginning to brown. Leave to cool for • tsp vanilla extract 5 mins before trying to move them. Cool • 400g plain flour, completely. plus extra 4. Roll out the fondant icing to the thickness • 500g pack ready- of a 50p piece. Use the same cutter to to-roll fondant stamp out the icing. If you have smaller icing cutter you can stamp out holes in the • Honey middles of some of them. Brush each • 100g royal icing biscuit with a tiny amount of honey and sugar press an icing snowflake on top. • silver balls and 5. Mix the icing sugar with enough water to white sprinkles, make a pipeable icing, and spoon it into a to decorate Kimberley Lee (Assistant Receptionist) piping bag fitted with a straight piping You will need joined the Association on a Community nozzle. Pipe patterns onto the snowflakes Jobs Scotland Placement on 17th and add silver balls and sprinkles as you • snowflake cookie September 2018 for 52 weeks. decorate. Leave to dry completely. cutter

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Cassiltoun Housing Association • Newsletter • Winter 2018 New Value for Money Strategy for Cassiltoun Housing Association Starts January 2019 What do we mean by • We are working efficiently and Why is this important? Value for Money (VFM)? effectively. As a not for profit Housing • Our work benefits our tenants Association, delivering value VFM is much more than a financial and other people and for money is crucial. Every statement. It is about looking at organisations in the local £1 we spend on homes and everything we do and making sure: community. services has to work for our • What we spend provides good • We continually review the best tenants, customers and the value for money and we ways to deliver our services community. achieve a good return. including considering Value for money is at the heart • We understand the costs and partnership opportunities to of our approach, ensuring that outcomes of our services support our work. we allocate our resources fairly, enabling us to make informed to benefit more of our tenants Each year we will report back on discussions on how we spend what we have achieved and seek and the local community. our resources. your views. Don't get caught by the distraction burglars Being burgled can be a very stressful experience, • Don't leave your purse or other valuables close leaving you feeling unsafe in your own home. But, to the door. when the burglar tricks you into letting them into • Ask for ID, even if you were expecting them, and your home to steal your valuables, it can be call their company to check they're genuine - particularly traumatic. using a number listed in the local directory or on Known as distraction burglary, the burglar gains a bill. access to your property by pretending to be • Never leave the door open and unattended. someone else. Common aliases include someone • If you are at all worried they might not be from a utility company, a workman, police officer or genuine, ask them to return another time when a delivery person. Sometimes they may even send a someone is with you. child, asking to use your bathroom or to retrieve a ball. Whether you're a victim of a distraction burglary or a more traditional break-in, having home insurance can Whatever their false identity, they'll either seek to help you recover get you outside so an accomplice can nip in and out from the loss of with your valuables or they'll come into your your stolen items property themselves, distracting you to pilfer more quickly. anything worth stealing. This gives you the These tips will help you weed out the distraction peace of mind you burglars from the genuine callers: will be able to • Lock your back door and close windows before replace all the you answer the door. stolen items, which can make it easier • Use a spy hole and chain to check who the to put the incident caller is. behind you.

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Cassiltoun Housing Association • Newsletter • Winter 2018 Scottish Housing Charter How we are doing… 01/04/18 – 30/09/18

Indicator 35 Allocations Lets this year so far: 37 • Average Void Days Lost: 9.3

Contextual Indicator 7 Contextual Indicator 8 Indicator 18 Types of Let Source of Let Offers Refused

Existing Refused 4 Tenants 4 Waiting List

14 Section 5 Referrals

19 Mutual Total Offers Exchanges 100% 3 37 Other Sources

General Needs Lets Supported Lets Total Offers Refused

Indicator 20 Here we have created a snap shot of Tenancies Sustained more than a year – 95% information related to allocations. Each piece of Indicator C11 information relates to the Scottish Housing Abandoned Properties – 2 Charter indicators which the Association reports on. Indicator 9 Tenants satisfied with standard You can find more information by visiting: of their home when moving in – 97.7% www.scottishhousingregulator.gov.uk

Maintenance Disabled Indicators 11, 12, 13, 14 Adaptations Indicators 22 & 23 Repairs Completed on time Total Number Approved 5 Average Emergency Repairs 100% Total properties adapted 4 2.0 hours Total number of adaptations Non-emergency Average 6 100% carried out Repairs 3.8 days Total number of days to 139 94% of jobs completed Right First Time complete all adaptations

Gas Servicing Indicator 15 Cassiltoun Housing Association carries out annual gas servicing to comply 100% with the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations. This is a legal  services requirement it is imperative that we gain access for the gas service within completed 12 months of the previous service being carried out.

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Cassiltoun Housing Association • Newsletter • Winter 2018

Anti-social Complaints Indicators 4 and 5 Indicator 19 Behaviour Complaints Resolved Complaints Resolved Timescales met? Complaints Received 32 Responded 1 32 Upheld 26 100% Yes: 80 1st Stage Resolved Complaints Received 3 Responded 3 Upheld 2

Yes No Ongoing Yes No 2nd Stage The Association has received 80 anti-social 0 10 20 30 40 50 complaints and these are handled in line with our Any dissatisfaction you may have with any of our services Neighbour Relation Policy. If you experience any then we would encourage you to let us know. anti-social incidents contact the office on We treat any dissatisfaction very seriously and use the 0141 634 2673. information to adapt and shape the services we provide.

Indicator 31 Indicator 34 Rents Rent Arrears £85,534 Void Loss £2,639 The Association’s arrears were 2.2% Rent Total (0.13%) while our target is 2.9%. The Arrears Void Association treats non-payment of Loss rent very seriously and takes all Total Rent Payable Total necessary action to recover moneys £1,945,711 Rent £1,945,711 owed. 42 court actions have been Due initiated during this reporting period. Indicator 24 The Association offers a Welfare Court Action Rights service to all of our tenants Court Actions Initiated 42 who can assist with money related Properties Recovered 2 problems and assist with completing (Non-payment of Rent) forms and applying for benefits. Properties Recovered 0 An appointment can be made by (Anti-Social Behaviour) contacting the office on Properties Recovered (Other) 0 0141 634 2673. 0405010 20 30

Stock Breakdown Indicator C17 Property Type Average Rent per size Stock Apartment Sizes 52 7 apt £387.66 7 apt 1 196 6 apt £582.58 6 apt 6 5 apt £375.26 5 apt 100

4 apt £339.07 4 apt 162

730 3 apt £296.03 3 apt 626

2 apt £284.64 2 apt 83

0 100 200 300 400 500600 700 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 80

House 4 in a block Tenement Flat

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Cassiltoun Housing Association • Newsletter • Winter 2018 Universal Credit Update Universal credit is a single monthly payment for people of working age who are in or out of work and from 5th December 2018 anyone registered with Castlemilk Job Centre Plus will be in a full service area. What does this mean? UC assess your situation every month, this is known as your assessment period and depending on any Anyone making a new claim or making any changes to changes to your circumstances or income from the following benefits: work, your amount from UC may change from • Child & Working Tax credits month to month. • Job Seekers Allowance (Income Based) UC is paid monthly on the same date every month. • Employment & Support Allowance (Income Based) You can, after your 1st payment, ask for twice • Income Support monthly payments of your UC and housing costs • Housing Benefit (previously known as housing benefit). Important – if you have 3 or more children you will Important – From making your claim you will wait not be able to claim UC until a later date. 5 weeks for your 1st payment. You can request an advance payment (loan) of your entitlement How do I claim? including your housing costs (rent). You need to apply for Universal Credit online. How to apply for an You have to apply as a couple if you and your advance payment partner live together. You do not need to be You can apply for an advance payment in your married. online account or through your Jobcentre Plus work What you need to apply coach. You’ll need: You’ll need to: • your bank, building society or credit union • explain why you need an advances account details • verify your identity (you do this online when you • an email address submit your Universal Credit claim or at your first • your National Insurance number Jobcentre Plus interview). • information on your housing costs, for example • Provide bank account details for the advance how much rent you pay you’ll usually find out the same day if you can get an advance. • details of your income, for example payslips All payments are made in bank account, building • details of savings and any investments, like society account or credit union. shares or a property that you rent out • details of how much you pay for childcare if Help & Support you’re applying for help with childcare costs To claim UC you might need to do a few things like If you do not provide the right information when you open a bank account, set up an email address. You apply it might affect when you get paid or how might not have access to internet or a phone, tablet much you get. to claim and manage your online account or you You also have to verify your identity online. You’ll might need some help as you don’t have any need some proof of identity for this, for example experience or little experience working a computer. your: Don’t worry, we can provide you with all of that • driving licence help and more. • passport We offer one to one appointments every • debit or credit card Wednesday morning, you can book these by calling How much am I paid and when? 0141 634 2673 or you can drop in any Friday between 11-3.00pm to get support. Your UC payment will depend on your circumstances and is made up of standard allowance If you are confident and just need access to a and extra amounts are paid if you have children, computer to check your online account, look for childcare costs, disabilities or health conditions and work etc. then you can call into office anytime housing costs (rent). during opening hours to get free access. page 16 Cassiltoun-December18.qxp_Layout 1 30/11/2018 16:13 Page 18

Cassiltoun Housing Association • Newsletter • Winter 2018

Thank you… Digital Access We recently received this review on Google - it’s nice to be appreciated! With the introduction of Universal Credit Full Service, Cassiltoun Housing Association will be looking to support our tenants and continue to run our DIY Digital Sessions. We can provide free access to laptops and the internet for anyone who wishes to get online and no experience is necessary. We recognise how essential being digitally included is, now more than ever. The sessions are in an informal setting and you decide what to use them for when you come. We have assisted people with everything from building a CV, job searching to booking train tickets to visit relatives at Christmas. If you have any queries, you can contact a member of the Advice Team on 0141 634 2673. Cash for Kids Cassiltoun Housing Association have submitted their application to Cash for Kids Christmas Grant. Cash for Kids 2018 is designed to help families provide a Christmas Treat or meet the associated costs of Christmas who are unable to do so through their own income. This year’s application is open to children between the ages of 0-16 years old and in some circumstances children aged up to Money Advice Team the age of 18. Statistics 2018 We will be distributing awards on 11th and 12th December and From 1st April 2018: all successful applicants will be lettered with • 410 clients managed further information. • Created 768 cases If these dates are not suitable please contact • £296,000 benefit gain generated our office to arrange a suitable time for collection. • £120k debts under management Are your home contents protected this Winter? Your landlord, Cassiltoun Housing Association, is responsible for looking after the structure of your home but that doesn’t include what’s inside, like your furniture or personal belongings. As a tenant of Cassiltoun you are eligible for home contents insurance which has been created for you at a low price, no excess if you need to claim and will cover against Theft, Fire, Flood and Accidental Damage. Giving you peace of mind that all your household contents are covered from as little as £1.12 per week. Interested? Then contact our Money Advice Team here at The Stables 59 Machrie Road, Castlemilk or telephone 0141 634 2673 for a chat.

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Cassiltoun Housing Association • Newsletter • Winter 2018 Do you need a Bank Account?

Before you think about how to 4. Depending on the bank you What if you’re open a bank account, it’s helpful choose and the type of refused a bank to prepare by knowing what kind account you want to open, of account you want and how the the bank may run a credit account? application process works. check to look at your financial More than 1 million people in the For example, you might need a history. If they accept your UK don’t have a bank account yet current account to receive your application, they’ll notify you most banks offer Basic bank wage or salary as well as any and you’ll later receive your accounts which can help you get into the banking system. state benefits, or to pay bills and debit card and pin number in the post – normally in rent/mortgage payments. Banks don’t always advertise separate instalments. You will Alternatively, you might want a these accounts yet the majority of probably need to activate banks have these accounts and savings account to work towards your card online or by phone you can apply either in branch or a financial goal, or perhaps you before you can use it. online. These accounts are want an ISA to take advantage of You can open a bank account in designed for people who have additional tax-free saving poor credit or who need help benefits. person by visiting the branch, or you can do it via phone or online – budgeting and managing their When shopping for a bank you’ll still need to provide the money as they don’t offer an account, it’s also good to keep in above details, but you might still overdraft. mind the potential benefits of have to visit a local branch so They will provide you with all the different accounts, such as they can make copies of your other features a normal current interest and savings rates, documents. account can provide such a debit overdrafts, and other perks such card to pay for items in a shop or as cashback and rewards, and the Managing your online, pay bills by direct debit different charges you might have which can also save you money as you will get a better deal than to pay for using the account. bank account Once you’ve opened a bank paying in cash. Opening a account, you’ll have different If you need a bank account or bank account options for how you want to help with your bank account then manage your money. please contact Money Advice Opening a high street bank Team @ Cassiltoun Housing account can be a simple process – • Face to face. The traditional Association, 59 Machrie Road you generally have to apply for method of banking involves Glasgow G45 0AZ, or telephone the account first, giving a few dropping in to your local 0141 634 2673. details such as: branch and speaking face to face with a bank employee, 1. Personal information so they can help you with any including your full name, questions or problems you nationality, contact details, may have. date of birth, and national insurance number • Over the phone. You’ll also 2. Proof of address, like a recent be able to contact your bank utility bill, mortgage through the phone to ask for statement or tenancy help or advice with your agreement, a bank statement, finances. or a council tax bill. You • Online/app. Most banks also might also be required to have an online platform/app show how long you’ve lived that lets you access your there. bank account and conduct 3. Proof of identity, such as a transactions 24/7. passport or driving licence or benefit entitlement letters.

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Cassiltoun Housing Association • Newsletter • Winter 2018

Post Christmas and New Year skip service The moisture in your home is How can we combat this? Cassiltoun Housing Association is aware that created by everyday living. • Increase the background heat, in January after all the presents have been Activities such as cooking, this enables the air to carry unwrapped, the chocolate eaten and the bathing, drying clothes and more moisture. new toys and games have replaced the old, even breathing will put • Increase the ventilation, keep that residents have a lot of unwanted moisture into the air. packaging and refuse left. Therefore, we As winter approaches is it likely your window vents open or open a window for about 15 minutes have hired 4 skips to be delivered on Friday that your home may be affected 4th January 2019 at 8.00am and picked up by condensation. every 3-4 hours. This will replace the moist air in your home with again at 4.00pm for residents to put all their This is caused by warm moist air unwanted items and rubbish in. coming into contact with a fresh air from outside which will in turn be heated and carry The skips will be placed throughout the colder surface. moisture away. area at: The particles in warm air are further apart and can carry more • Keep doors closed - this will Ballantay Road (adjacent to phone box) moisture. When this comes into stop moisture from the kitchen Barlia Drive (Parking Bay at substation) contact with a colder surface and bathroom from traveling Bottom of Machrie Road the particles shrink together and through your home and (at Castlemilk Drive) can no longer carry the condensing on the colder Croftfoot Drive moisture. This leads to water surfaces. (across from Croftfoot Crescent) forming on windows and ledges. • If you are having to dry clothes Please use these skips rather than leaving It can also be found on the indoors try to keep them in the rubbish in the back court of common close corners of skirting and behind one room with an open window. units, beds and cupboards areas. Further information can be obtained where air doesn’t move. • Keeps lids on pots when from the office on Friday 4th January 2019 Often this will result in mould cooking, if possible use a in person or by condensing tumble dryer or vent growth in these areas. The telephone on your tumble dryer to the outside 0141 634 2673. mould is naturally occurring in of your home, if you have fans in the environment and is present We hope this your kitchen and bathroom all the time but flourishes and service is of use make sure you use them. grows in moist conditions. to you. Christmas Rent Payments Christmas is just around the corner and In order to keep your rent account up to date and avoid problems in although we appreciate that this is an January 2019 and starting the New Year off badly, here are a few expensive time for our tenants we need to ideas for you to consider: remind you of the dates that your rent If you normally pay your rent in our offices, make sure that you have should be paid. Last year many of our a rent card as our offices close at 4pm on Friday 21/12/18 and re- tenants got into difficulty with their rent open on Friday 04/01/19 at 8.30 am. However, if you have a rent payments as they either did not pay their payment card you can make your payments at the post office, in the December rent payment or were very late bank, on line at www.cassiltoun.org.uk or at the credit union offices. and had to find extra money in January to However, please remember that with public holidays it will take make up their payments and as we all longer for your payment to reach your account, therefore allow know January is a very long month where 5 working days for this. If you require a rent payment card, contact money is concerned. Ainsleigh Maguire on 0141 634 2673 and she will order one for you.

The rent payment date for December If you do find yourself in financial difficulty, contact the office 2018 is Friday 21st December 2018, please immediately in order that we can assist you. Please do not ignore the remember that we close at 4.00 pm on a issue or it will only get worse rather than going away. We also have a Friday and ensure that your payment is Money Advice Team who we can arrange an appointment with for you. made on time.

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Cassiltoun Housing Association • Newsletter • Winter 2018 We want your views… Estate Environmental Services In the future the Association will consider different ways of delivering our environmental services such as close cleaning, grass cutting, open space maintenance and empty house (void) management. Before We want to improve service delivery whilst achieving the best value for money possible. If you have one hour to spend and would like to discuss future estate services please let a member of staff know. Simply visit or phone our reception and leave your details and we will After contact you to discuss future proposals and hear your views. John Williams Housing Manager - Property Five ways to stay healthy this winter It may be cold outside, but winter needn't be the unhealthiest time of year for you and your family. Here are five ways to make sure that, even when your body is telling you to hibernate, you can keep healthy and fit, no matter what the weather's like. Drink more milk Banish winter tiredness Eat more fruit You are more likely to get a cold in Many people feel tired and sluggish and veg winter, so make sure your immune during winter. This is due to the lack When it's cold and dark system is in tip-top condition. Milk of sunlight, which disrupts our sleep outside, it can be tempting and dairy products such as cheese, and waking cycles. to fill up on unhealthy yoghurt and fromage frais are Try these tips: comfort food. However, it's great sources of: • get outdoors in natural daylight important to ensure you • protein as much as possible. still have a healthy diet and • vitamins A and B12 • get a good night's sleep – go to include five portions of • calcium, which helps keep our bed and wake up at the same fruit and veg a day. bones strong time every day. If you find yourself craving Choose semi-skimmed, 1% or • destress with exercise or a sugary treat, try a juicy skimmed milk – rather than full-fat meditation – stress has been clementine or satsuma – and low-fat plain yoghurts. shown to make you feel tired. instead. Try new activities for the whole family Winter vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, swede Don't use the cold winter months as an excuse to stay in and lounge around. and turnips can be roasted, Instead, get out with the whole family to try out a new activity – maybe ice mashed or made into soup skating, or taking a bracing winter walk on the beach or through Castlemilk for a comforting winter park. meal for the whole family. Regular exercise helps control your weight, boost your immune system, and Explore varieties of fruit is a good way to break the tension that can build if the family is constantly and veg that you may not cooped up inside the house. normally eat.

Have a hearty breakfast Winter is the perfect season for porridge. Eating a warm bowlful on a cold morning isn't just a delicious way to start your day, it also helps boost your intake of starchy foods and fibre. These foods give you energy and help you feel fuller for longer, stopping the temptation to snack mid- morning. Oats also contain lots of vital vitamins and minerals. Make your porridge with semi-skimmed, 1% or skimmed milk, or water, and don't add sugar or salt. Add a sliced banana, berries or other fruit for extra flavour and to help you hit your 5 A Day target.

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Cassiltoun Housing Association • Newsletter • Winter 2018 Community Development Update Get involved! We had a chat with local resident, Donna Ferguson, about her becoming a new Cassiltoun Housing Association Board Member. She had lots of interesting things to say, thanks Donna!

Why did you get involved? What advice would you give to someone “Being involved means I know else thinking about getting involved? more about where I live and have a say about what’s going on in the area. It’s nice “Come and speak to to meet new people and understand the someone and don’t think it’s not for complexities of being a Board Member of you – it’s not daunting, people are friendly, Cassiltoun Housing Association. Support, find out more about what it’s like and what it training and development is provided to entails. People are very supportive and at no enhance your skills and knowledge to stage are you made to feel on your own. be an effective Board Member.” You’re assigned a buddy who keeps you right and you might think it’s going to take up loads of time but it doesn’t. If you think it What’s your experience might be for you, there’s no harm been like so far? in finding out more!” “You really do get a feeling of belonging and that you know what’s going on. I’ve found the meetings Take Donna’s advice! interesting and there are people who have Contact Paddy on the main number or by built up so much experience for me to learn from. You do have a say and it feels like email to find out more about the range you are helping people and the of ways that you can get involved: community.” [email protected] A huge well done to… Chatty Café Launch ...the Thursday group of 14-25 year olds who so far this year at The Hideaway! have brought in an amazing £4513.31 to enhance activities We were delighted to work in and opportunities for young people in Castlemilk. They partnership with The Hideaway Café in have given their ideas and opinions for funding applications, Castlemilk raised money at a variety Sports of events, and still have a Centre to two more fundraising launch their activities to go before ‘Chatter & 2019! On top of this they Natter have volunteered many Table’. many hours, taken part in workshops, training, and If you sit at advised us on services we this table it deliver from the indicates perspective of young that you are adults. They are fantastic open to others GáŅĞōƁżǢĞōŬĽáýĈŵǢńáĺĈżĤħŅĞŵĤáŬŬĈŅǧ examples of the many amazing young people in sitting with you and having a chat. It is @ōůnjǏǹǍǐƱĈáůōĽăŵ Castlemilk and we are a simple but effective idea to basically žĤƁůŵăáƱŵǢǏǡǎNjǹǑǡǎNjŬń very grateful that they get folk talking! Please do use it to @ōōăŬůōƪħăĈă are involved with support the initiative, who knows what ‹ÞäáȳÃÁT䋖áÞķĥĩ>‹—°Û³¡Q͋ķ—ÍÉ䋗äN‹ČÍÉ stories and conversations you’ll end up ĠġĤġĦģĤĢĦħģķĠħĩĥĠġĨģĨħĤķ Cassiltoun. ؋ČȗÁ¡ÉɋŲ—‹ÞÞ³ÃäÍæÉļÍÛ¬ļæÁ having.

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Cassiltoun Housing Association • Newsletter • Winter 2018

Yet again, we had our Year of Young People Competition, where the young adult Thursday group invited you to nominate young people from Castlemilk that you think should be celebrated. The winner is through a lucky draw and will receive a £20 Amazon Voucher and a Certificate. As always we were amazed by the nominations highlighting wonderful young people in the area! Ellie McHugh, 14 Ashleigh McKee, 16 Ellie has been nominated for a range of reasons Ashleigh spends a lot of her time volunteering including being extremely caring, supportive, in a drop in, café, and drama rehearsals. She resilient, is happy and joyful, and working hard has a “fun-loving, bubbly attitude” and always toward her National 5 exams. She is said to be “a encourages people to reach their full potential. perfect example of a young woman who is loving She is “a positive role model to the young people who attend and an asset to our team”. to her family and showing extreme kindness and an Her nominators are really excited to see what inspiration to others”. Fantastic, Ellie, well done! she accomplishes and wish to say, “Thank you The S6 Caritas Group at St Margaret Mary’s Ashleigh for all you do here at the Youth Complex and it is a pleasure to work alongside This group of students worked hard to organise a you”. Amazing, Ashleigh, well done! day for the community, including going to school for And the winner is… Ashleigh McKee!! 6am to cook breakfast for 100 people. Their nominator said “They put a really unique and powerful experience together for the community of Castlemilk”. A huge well done to them!

Roisin Walker, 15 Roisin has been nominated for showing “extreme resilience and a strength of character” and has being “a source of motivation to other children”. She is studying hard and trying her best at school despite recent challenges – what a fantastic role model, well done and keep it up, Roisin! Food food food! You may have noticed that we had delicious food from The Hideaway Café at a variety of events during the October Holidays – thank you Glasgow City Council and Voluntary Action Fund for the funding! We accessed this through the group we are part of, ‘Castlemilk Together: Community Food Action’, who hold a range of events and activities to hear your thoughts about food-related topics. After a very popular event last year we held another Soup Off where community groups from across Castlemilk came together for some healthy competition over who has the best soup – well done everyone that took part, we already can’t wait for next year! We are also organising another Christmas Meal that will be open to any body in Castlemilk on Christmas Day. A fruit kebab at one of our October holiday events. Yum!

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Cassiltoun Housing Association • Newsletter • Winter 2018

Delicious What do you think apples from our Community should happen next year? Garden We’ve been busy evaluating this year and planning for next year and we want your feedback and ideas! To make sure we’re delivering the events and activities that people in Castlemilk want then you have to tell us! Please let us know what you loved, ideas you’ve got for change, something you’ve seen happen elsewhere that you think would be fantastic here, a group you want to start.... while we can’t Cooking around promise we can deliver everything the fire at the you say, we promise that we will Tuesday garden listen to your feedback and ideas. session Contact Paddy for a chat on 0141 634 2673 or [email protected]. A big huge “Thank you” must go to all our funders over the past 12 months, who have helped us to deliver all our activities.

Monday Stables Studio: drop in between 10am and 4pm for a warm cuppa and biscuit with a community artist at hand if you would like to have a go at; sculpture, recycled art, painting, jewellery making, seasonal crafts, knitting, crocheting, upcycling… anything! For 50 year olds and over from the G45 area.. Tuesday Community Garden: drop in between 11am and 3pm to grow food, cook, chat, and other activities. No experience necessary! Stables Studio: drop in between 10am and 4pm for a warm cuppa and biscuit with a community artist at hand if you would like to have a go at; sculpture, recycled art, painting, jewellery making, seasonal crafts, knitting, crocheting, upcycling… anything! For 50 year olds and over from the G45 area. Wednesday ‘Give It A Go’ Storytelling Café: between 10am and 12 noon, try your hand at storytelling, writing, or simply enjoy listening to others. All welcome and no previous experience is required, your interest is more than enough. Thursday Meet-Ups: if you’re 14-25 years old and want to share ideas, work toward making them happen, or to simply have somewhere to have a chat between 4pm and 6pm, then drop in to these informal sessions. The group have so far organised trips to Go-Ape, Airspace, and Auchengillan Outdoor Centre, have fundraised, been to Stirling and Edinburgh, and learnt how to make things to sell. Stables Studio: drop in between 10am and 4pm for a warm cuppa and biscuit with a community artist at hand if you would like to have a go at; sculpture, recycled art, painting, jewellery making, seasonal crafts, knitting, crocheting, upcycling… anything! For 50 year olds and over from the G45 area. Friday Revive Group: between 10.30am and 12.30pm, enjoy a range of taster sessions including; cooking, trips away, bath salt making, massage sessions, baking, arts and crafts, and simply enjoy the space and great company. For 35 year olds and over.

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Cassiltoun Housing Association • Newsletter • Winter 2016

Our first ever Junior Countryside/Urban Ranger programme has just come to an end and it was a huge success.

Pictured are the Junior Rangers receiving their award from Anna Stuart MBE, Chairperson of Cassiltoun Housing Association, Stuart Whittaker, Community Woodland Officer, and Charlie Millar, Chief Executive of Cassiltoun Housing Association. This award was delivered by Stuart over six months and saw these dedicated young adults learn a whole range of skills such as; how to do wildlife surveys, practical conservation tasks, the ins and outs of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, and all within Castlemilk Park! We’re looking at doing something similar over next year – this is for 13-18 year olds, contact us if you are interested in knowing more: [email protected] Doors Open Day We welcomed people from across Glasgow and beyond during Doors Open Day – as well as learning all about the history of Castlemilk Stables and the surrounding area, we had traditional games, art workshops, Renaissance food and make up sessions by Anna Canning Floramedica, and a treasure hunt.

Conservation Taster Days October Holiday Fun At one of our events over 60 people took part in A big thank you to everyone who turned up our ‘Bio Blitz’ where we counted what fresh water for our Conservation Taster Day in September where we cleaned out the stream and got invertebrates live in the Castlemilk Park stream - stuck in to some tasty tea and cake loads were found including those that indicate afterwards! good clean water. Other taster We also hunted days have seen for mini-beasts the group and discovered making bug that Castlemilk hotels, natural Park is full of fences, learning biodiversity! This about the event was run in woodland, litter partnership with picks, and lots the Conservation of tasty treats. Volunteers Thank you every Biodiversity one for taking Outreach Team – the time to thank you for conserve your such an exciting woodland! day!

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Cassiltoun Housing Association • Newsletter • Winter 2016

From Glasgow to Paris! Do you want to be a Collectively, the Monday evening walking group travelled the same distance as walking from Glasgow to Paris – well done! Castlemilk Explorer? This year some regular walkers decided to train up as Health Do you know someone from age 7 to 12 Walk Leaders so that they can now lead this fantastic group and wanting to be involved in fun and that will begin again in April interesting woodland activities? Well 2019. Looking to try out some the Castlemilk Explorers Wildlife Watch local walks? We have a new group is for them! It has been running ‘Get Active in Castlemilk Park’ for 6 months on a Saturday morning leaflet which has three light and is free to join. The explorers have walks that you can do around done many different activities from Castlemilk Park, all starting stream dipping and bat walks to mini- from Castlemilk Stables. Pop beast hunting and survival skills. Stuart in for your own copy and Whittaker, Community Woodland discover what’s on your Officer says: doorstep – a big thank you to Paths For All for the funding. “They are fantastic group of A big thank you for making the children that have learnt so much about the environment of Castlemilk Park. Halloween event so special! Castlemilk Explorers really is a great way This year’s Halloween Festival was our biggest one yet for children to have fun outdoors with with over 2200 people attending! We had delicious others while building a whole range of pumpkin soup making, amazing pumpkin carving, scary skills. We have room for more young story-telling, mesmerising ‘Illumination’ and the ever popular people to join us next year, Spooky Walk. The Spooky Walk is a huge event to organise get involved!” and this year some other local organisations got involved – thank you so much to the Friends of Castlemilk Park, Ardenglen Housing Association, the Youth Complex, and of course our wonderful volunteers. If you want to get involved next year it is never to early to let us know!

Castlemilk Park Volunteers We have 10 new Castlemilk Park Volunteers who are involved across the project in a range of ways – we make sure their volunteering meets their interests and that we give as much as we can back through training, opportunities, and skill development. Some volunteering roles include: helping setting up events big and small, surveying butterflies and bats, woodland maintenance, upcycling natural materials, and supporting children’s activities. Recent training they’ve received are Outdoor Activity Leader Training and Outdoor Emergency First Aid Training – thank you to the Community Woodland Association’s ‘Pockets and Prospect Fund’ who funded a volunteer development project. If you have any questions at all about what woodland volunteering opportunities we offer here at Castlemilk Stables, contact Stuart on the main office number or by email: [email protected] Continued on page 26…

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Cassiltoun Housing Association • Newsletter • Winter 2018

The Conservation Volunteers and their incredible support! A big thank you to everyone involved in the Paths to Employment Programme, delivered in partnership with TCV (The Conservation Volunteers) – many people have commented on how fantastic the woodland is looking and we agree! They’ve helped make it a space for learning, relaxing, and just enjoying the outdoors while gaining a whole host of training and experience. Well done everyone! Pictured is one of the team removing old posts to make the area a safer place to visit and enjoy. Unfortunately, due to funding coming to an end, the Paths to Employment Programme finished on 30th November 2018. This will have an impact on the woodland, as without the funding we cannot sustain the existing level of day to day maintenance. We will be working with our volunteers to deliver park clean-ups and we will be actively seeking other funding. Have your say! What events, activities, and opportunities would you like to see happening in Castlemilk Park? We adapt the Events Calendar based on feedback, so please do contact us with your ideas!

Taster Day: December Sunday 27th • 12 noon – 3.00pm Woodland Nippers: Come along for some tasty food, a blether and try Thursday 6th • 11.00am – 12.00 noon some taster sessions on woodland tasks within Let’s go and get natural materials to make a festive Castlemilk Park. Tools and gloves provided. Please card and enjoy the story book ‘The Winter Fox’ by dress for the weather. All abilities welcome. Timothy Knapman. Fun FREE nature activities for Children must be accompanied by an adult. Under 6’s to take part with parents, relatives or guardians. Please ensure suitable outdoor clothing is February worn. Love YOUR Woodland Wreath Making: (Booking Required) Wednesday 13th • 2.00pm – 4.00pm Saturday 8th 10.30am-11.45am, 12.45pm-2.00pm, In the Spirit of the month of love, come along to 2.30pm-3.45pm show your appreciation for your woodland – make decorations to transform a tree, create an outdoors Our ever popular festive event – Make your own art piece, take part in woodland activities and willow wreath with natural woodland materials. warm up over a cosy fire with toasted Please note a change from previous years – based marshmallows. on feedback this will now be in time slots with a Inspiring Nature Events (Snowdrop Walk): demo and more hands on support to make your Sunday 24th• 12 noon – 2.00pm perfect wreath. Join us on a woodland walk and learn all about the January different species of snowdrops, their myth and folklore and how to ID these hardy little plants. Starry Starry Night: (Booking Required) Wednesday 23rd • 7.00pm All events start from outside Castlemilk Come along to join experts from Glasgow Stables, 59 Machrie Road, Castlemilk University to sort the stars from the satellites and Glasgow G45 0AZ the planets from the planes. An indoor talk followed by some stargazing (weather permitting). For the events that require booking, please Some starry fun activities will be available for call the Community Team on 0141 634 2673 children who must be accompanied by an adult. or email [email protected]

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Cassiltoun Housing Association • Newsletter • Winter 2018

Hi kids! Complete our fun activities, then bring your page into the Association’s offices by Tuesday 18th December for the chance to win a prize!

Find Santa’s Outfit… Can you help our Santa find all the parts of his outfit?

Spot the 7 differences Can you help the Robin deliver his gift? between our Christmas Gingerbread men!

Name:

Telephone: Age:

Address:

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Cassiltoun Housing Association • Newsletter • Winter 2018

Dear Tenant, Cassiltoun Housing Association’s Christmas and New Year Closure and Emergency Repairs Arrangements. The Offices of the association will close on Friday 21st December 2018 at 4.00 pm and re-open on Friday 4th January 2019 at 8:30 am. Should you need to report a repair during this period please contact on 08000 921 961. our contractor: City Building On behalf of the Board of Management and Staff, I would like to wish you a Happy New Year. Merry Christmas and a very • Cassiltoun Housing Association Ltd Charlie Millar Chief Executive Office Closures Join us on Please note that the office will be closed on the following dates: Christmas and New Year Holidays: Social Media! The office will close at 4pm on Friday 21st December 2018 A really easy way to keep up to date and will re-open at 8.30am on Friday 4th January 2019. with all the Association’s activities Easter Weekend: and news is through Social Media. Friday 19th April and Monday 22nd April 2019. Like our facebook page: If you need an emergency repair at weekends or www.facebook.com/ while the office is closed, please contact our CassiltounHousingAssociation/ emergency number: 08000 921 961 And follow us on twitter: @CassiltounHA Getting in touch… Castlemilk Stables • 59 Machrie Road • Glasgow G45 0AZ telephone 0141 634 2673 • fax 0141 634 9987 email [email protected] • website www.cassiltoun.org.uk Office Opening Hours Monday 8.30am - 5pm Thursday 8.30am - 5pm Tuesday 8.30am - 5pm Friday 8.30am - 4pm Wednesday 8.30am - 12.30pm Saturday & Sunday Closed

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